This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
